Forevermore

Of course. [ He nods, perhaps his heart beating the slightest bit faster at their closeness, perhaps not. But Joshua pushes it aside to focus on the task at hand.

He rows in unison with Dion, allowing the prince to set the pace because of his condition. It's still an effort, but much less so going slow and with the both of them rather than by himself. ]

Indeed. It is far different than I had imagined... [ There's a soft lilt of another chuckle in his voice, coupled with an ounce of sadness. He can't say he could've ever imagined having to rescue an escapee prince who injured himself in the process and now together rowing back to the Hideaway.

But in truth, how could Joshua have seen any of this coming, have seen it turning out like this when he first met with Dion near Ark? He'd tried, hoped, to stay one step ahead of Ultima despite not knowing much about him, such as saving Clive from Ultima at Drake's Head and trying to warn Dion of Ultima's involvement in the empire. In some few ways he'd succeeded, but in other's, he could only see but a portion of Ultima's plans at the time, not all of it... like with Olivier.

There's still a constant what if that plays in his mind, the guilt of not having spoken to Dion sooner, a what if of maybe if he had, he could've prevented everything Dion went through, saved the empire...

But he doesn't regret reaching out to Dion that day near Ark, doesn't regret seeking out him as an ally, because though he wishes things had gone differently, at least he was there to help save Dion when he needed it most. ]

...But, we are allied still. Though I wish the events that had occurred had been different, I am truly grateful that you are still yet with us. That is, if... you would still lend us your strength once you've recovered?

[ Joshua wouldn't blame Dion if he didn't want to, if he wanted to return to Twinside first as he'd attempted today. He'd far more than understand. ]

From:

[With another nod – slighter this time – Jill squeezes Joshua's elbow indicating for him to follow, then lets go and passes ahead, moving down the stairs to where the Mess opens up to the sky. She stops near to the centre, favouring the side where the Map Room sits, then turns to face Joshua, waiting for him to stop before speaking.]

This is our central operations area, so to speak. Over there are the Counter and the Patron's Whisper. At the former, Clive receives information on any needs our allies would see fulfilled, while the latter is where the Hideaway receives donations for our efforts.

[Another slight turn so they're facing the Hunt Board. Nektar bounces in the air, proud to be the focus of their new resident, and Jill waves him hello as she continues.]

That's Nektar, keeper of the Hunt Board. When our Cursebreakers stumble upon particularly fiendish enemies, they leave a report on the board for Clive to attend to later. The ones he's slain have already been marked, if you care to see how busy he's been.

[A bit of darkness slips into her tone, and she forces a smile. Attending to all that ails the Twins is a cornerstone of operations at the Hideaway, but it still pains Jill, at times, to think of all that Clive takes on, mentally and physically, in the name of protecting others.]

From:

[Neither of them could have predicted how things would turn out. Dion had thought he knew so much about his world, had thought that if only he could speak to his father, that he could fix things. How wrong he had been. How utterly, foolishly wrong.

For a moment, he falls silent. The only sound to be heard around them is the splash of water with each sweep of the oar. Finally, he finds his voice.]

I need to go back... to see what is left of Twinside. I have to know just how much I have to atone for. But after that, if there is aught I can lend you to aid your cause, you shall have it. My wings, my spear, my name. I owe you and your brother everything for saving me from myself.

[Neither debt is one he anticipates ever being able to fully repay, but he will work for the rest of his life, however long it be, trying all the same.]

From:

[ Joshua glances over at Dion beside him and his smile falls to something softer, sadder. Not because he's telling him not yet, because Joshua had already expected that to be his answer, but rather... because Joshua knows full well the guilt and responsibility he bears. Probably better than anyone aside from Clive, as they both still bear their own weight from the events of Phoenix Gate and the destruction and death they'd both caused, even if it wasn't either of their faults.

Much like Dion.

Had Tarja not told them that Dion was still gravely injured when he left, maybe he would've let him go back to Twinside by himself, in full understanding of why he'd left. But... there's a relief that he didn't, that he was able to make it to Dion first, so that he won't have to bear this burden alone. ]

Then, allow me to join you, Dion. [ He says his name softly, it sticks in his mouth a bit, not used to saying it, but there's a small warmth that spreads from his chest as it leaves his lips. ] After you've healed, when you depart for Twinside. I would go with you to help you in what ways that I'm able.

From:

[Dion nods. The guilt within him screams that he has to go it alone, but that Joshua is sitting here beside him right now is proof he cannot.]

Thank you. [For not trying to stop him, and for wanting to help. Dion isn't sure he deserves that kindness, but he won't do Joshua the discourtesy of rejecting it.]

I won't try to sneak away again. When I am ready to leave, I'll let you know.

[And the survivors of Twinside might be glad to have the Phoenix in their midst. Even if Joshua cannot afford to use his power, his presence can inspire the way Bahamut used to.]

From:

[ Joshua returns the nod in kind and follows her down into the Mess and remains quiet, following her gestures as she begins to explain everything.

Joshua's only knowledge of his brother's escapades came from the reports of the Undying, and the rumors and stories of 'Cid the Outlaw' as he traveled across Storm. It wasn't hard to know where his influence had stretched over the years, where all he'd been, who all he'd helped. There's no where they haven't been. So it's of no surprise to him that an operation of this scale would require an organized touch like this, donations, information gathering and coordinating between allies across Storm.

He knows it isn't all Clive's doing of course, it's thanks to all those here too, but still, Joshua finds himself impressed, perhaps a bit of pride swelling in his chest to see the evidence of it for himself, if the Hideaway itself wasn't enough.

His eyes turn to Nektar beside them as she moves onto the Hunt Board, blinking a little in surprise at the moogle, but gives him a curtious, but curious smile as he turns his attention to the hunt board itself first. He looks over the many postings that've been hung up, noting a few that he recognizes. He reaches out to take one that's been marked gently between his fingers. ] I'd heard rumors of some few of these fiends in my travels, and of someone felling them, though I didn't realize they were Clive's doing. But--never has my brother been one to remain idle.

[ There's a small, quirked smile. It doesn't surprise him in the slightest. Even as his brother's out there destroying Mothercrystals, rescuing bearers, saving the world from the Blight and Ultima, he's also out there taking care of these threats too. To help make the realm a little bit safer for everyone. As Clive's always done.

But then he let's go of the paper and turns his attention to the moogle floating beside the hunt board with a brighter, more curious smile. Almost excited like a kid ]

But, if I might ask... how is it you came to be acquainted with a moogle? [ He'd only thought them creatures written about in folktales, bedtime stories for children. They'd been mentioned in some bestiaries he'd come across in his research of Ultima but, they were never more than mythical creatures only seen by children. And yet, here one is. Right here in the Hideaway. ]

From:

[Jill will hold her tongue regarding Clive's disinclination towards idling, ever, at all, for any reason; not only is it ill-suited to the mood, but she suspects Joshua sets the same example of seeking out ways to wear himself to the bone. That smile he quirks only validates her silence, and she can feel a surge of concern knot its way in her heart.

Fortunately, he's quick to transition to his next observation, and both Nektar and Jill are more than happy for the moogle to take the fore of the conversation.]

Cid found him trapped in some Fallen ruins he was exploring, and decided to bring him along to the Hideaway. He's a "mighty hero" whose life efforts are devoted to the eradication of the worst of fiends – or so Clive says. Apparently, he can understand everything Nektar speaks when none other can.

[And as if for emphasis, Nektar releases a mournful "Kupo." So many stories to tell, so few ears upon which they'll land. A tragedy, truly.]

From:

[ Joshua's smile warms again. In truth, he'd half expected Dion to tell him no, possibly not wanting to ask any more of him after what happened today, when there was a debt Dion still believed he had to pay, but there's a relief and gladness that he didn't turn him away. That he's still willing to accept his help. ]

And I will be ready. [ His blue eyes move from Dion, further back behind him over his shoulder to look at the Hideaway that's slowly getting closer ] But first, we must both of us rest. Lest we anger Lady Tarja further.

[ There's a gentle lilt of amusement in his soft voice, adding the 'we' to make light of it, and to make him feel better, since Dion isn't the only one who's earned Tarja's ire. Then again, they're both probably going to be up and about far sooner than she'd like anyways. But at least they'll still be able to get some rest. ]

From:

[They reach the Hideaway's dock with no further issue, and limp side by side up to the infirmary to weather Tarja's furious lecture together. For all of her indignation, her hands are gentle as she re-bandages Dion's wounds and mixes herbs into a potion to sooth the worst of his aches.

Dion bares it with a bowed head, not trying to protest or excuse himself. It's easier that way.

Eventually, they are left alone in the twin beds in Tarja's back room. The sounds from the rest of the Hideaway are muffled by the infirmary door. There is a stillness in the room that has Dion instinctively lowering his voice when he speaks.]

That could have been worse. How are you feeling?

From:

[ Now Joshua can't hide the look of surprise on his face, blinking back at Jill. ] Clive can... understand him?

[ His light blue eyes look back to Nektar as he kupos at them, forlorn. He supposes it makes sense, if Nektar's here to 'eradicate the most terrible fiends' by way of the hunt board, someone would need to understand him to have been able to set it up. But still... ]

I... suppose Clive has always been rather fond of animals and other creatures, though that does little in the way of explaining why... [ He muses to himself, suddenly increasingly curious and loses himself in his thoughts for a moment, hand brought to his lips as he does when he thinks.

Is he also maybe the slightest bit envious of his brother getting to understand moogles? Maybe. ]

From:

[ When they finally make it back to the Hideaway, Clive's the first to meet them on their way back to the infirmary. There's a look of wanting to scold his brother, but he doesn't. Maybe because he knows Tarja's about to, or maybe he's more relieved to see them both back safely (and maybe Clive has too much of a soft spot for his little brother to scold him overly much.) But whatever the reason, he simply sees them both to the infirmary, keeping Joshua to his promise of going to rest.

Aside from a deserved lecture they both weather together, Joshua isn't as in much need of attention and bandaging as the prince, having only just gotten back from the Hideaway before with but a few scrapes and bruises from the travels he'd but just returned from and some soreness and exhaustion from their rowing excursion. But unfortunately, that doesn't mean he's able to escape Tarja's wrath. Handing him a vial of medicine, that he may have left purposefully behind before having left the Hideaway before with Clive, with a look and a few words of how he needs to take his medicine, before setting to work on Dion.

But he too bears it without complaint, having troubled her enough and knowing he can't escape it now, and downs the medicine in a practiced manner, having had to do it his whole life, and with a grimace.

Once he finishes it, his eyes wander to Dion as Tarja starts to remove his bandages, finally seeing for himself the scars and wounds that lay beneath... one's he'd gotten from their battle in the Dominion, and a frown pulls at his lips. Proof of all he's gone through, all he's had to endure, the painful truth and memories that lie within them... wounds Clive and Joshua had caused, even though they needed to fight him in order to stop him, his heart still weighs with guilt and sadness. Wounds that may not have existed at all had Joshua reached out to him sooner.

When Tarja finally finishes and leaves, warning them first that they'd better stay put and actually rest, Joshua sits on the edge of his bed, facing Dion as a silence falls over the room, the noises of the Hideaway muffled and distant. ]

Indeed, we are fortunate Lady Tarja did not wish to have us confined to our bedsides. [ He chuckles softly, ducking his head a little, keeping his voice quiet, like two kids trying not to get caught being awake after bedtime ] I'm well, merely fatigued. [ His expression softens to worry ] But what of you, Dion? Your wounds... how do they fare?

[ Joshua might've healed him, but it was barely anything in comparison to what he might've done to himself getting out that far on the lake and he didn't hear what all Tarja might've said about them. ]

From:

shieldoffire

The sun is slinking down the horizon, by the time Clive manages to extract himself from a conversation with Mid. He didn't entirely follow the details of it, but he gathers she's got a new plan fermenting. He expects she'll ambush him soon enough to ask for favors to go about creating whatever it is. They're lucky to have Mid amongst them at the Hideaway, lending her talent to their cause. But her sheer energy sometimes makes Clive feel older than his years.

Though that's not much of a feat of late. Most nights by the time he finds his bed - assuming he does - he's tired right down to his aching bones.

Clive stops on the way to his room, greeting this or that person, and ending a squabble between a pair of new Cursebreaker trainees, sending them off sheepishly to get a drink together and work it out. But he does finally find his way inside, checking through his messages, and then following his instinct outside.

His instinct proves right. But then, it usually does when it comes to Joshua. Since they joined as Ifrit and Phoenix in battle, Clives feels as if he always knows where Joshua is. As if some vestigial sense of his brother came into full fruition and left him hyper aware of everything about Joshua.

That comes with its downsides as well, but for the moment, Clive just feels a sense of relief in Joshua's presence. He watches him, knowing it's a second too long and too intent, but after a moment crosses to stand beside him on the balcony. He follows Joshua's gaze to the new, malignant crystal floating above the waters in the distance. "It doesn't seem right that they're beautiful, does it? When their purpose is so ugly."

From:

[Dion looks down at his own bandaged chest, then gives a shrug that pains him only slightly, thanks to the numbing effects of Tarja's draught.]

These? They look worse than they are. I've been a soldier since I reached my majority, Joshua. I've had worse than this and lived.

[Is it healthy for him to downplay his injuries? Probably not. But Dion has so long prioritized 'Sanbreque' over 'Dion', he's trained himself not to worry too much over his own well-being.]

But we will both rest, so Tarja, your brother, and you can all be at ease over my condition.

From:

Joshua isn't used to waiting. He'd spent thirteen years searching for answers, trying to find out all he could on Ultima, to find out what had happened all those years ago at Phoenix Gate, to protect his brother, not being able to stop for a moment, not allowing himself to as his own days were numbered. But now, as the end of their journey lies before them, as they wait to go face Ultima in one final battle... Joshua must wait. Because this fight will ask for all that Joshua has left to give, all of his strength, all of his power.

But that doesn't mean his time has been spent simply waiting, however. Though he can do little to help those in the Hideaway prepare for whatever future lay in wait for them, he spends most of his days in the Shelves with Harpocrates, pouring over what books and reports they have together, that they might find some minute detail to aid them in their fight again Ultima.

It's after he's spent the day with Harpocrates, the evening settling in over the Hideaway, that Joshua makes his way to his brother's room across the Ale Hall. That he might spend some little time with his brother before they both retire for the night. Little moments to make up for eighteen years of lost time together. But it's enough... to be with his brother in this time is enough, in the quite and calm of his room, where the business and noise of the Hideaway is securely kept on the other side of the door, and it's just the two of them.

And while he waits for him to return, he waits on the balcony, leaning on his arms on the wooden railing, his hands gently clasped together as he stares off across the lake, towards Origin. His mind swirling with thoughts of Ultima, of what awaits them, of what awaits Joshua himself, though he doesn't fear it.

So when Clive first walks into his room, Joshua doesn't hear as the heavy doors open and close off somewhere behind him. But when Clive steps out into the doorway of the balcony, Joshua hears the faint creak of wooden floorboards shifting under his weight, and he blinks as his thoughts disperse and he's brought back to reality. And even with his back to him, Joshua doesn't need to turn around to know who it is.

Even having been apart for eighteen years, he still knows his brother's presence better than anything, knows him by sound, by breath, by feel, his presence ever familiar and comforting, as it has been since they were children... and maybe even more so now. After they'd become Ifrit Risen in the skies above Twinside, nearly became one soul, Clive's presence has become even clearer, so unmistakable and so easily felt, even when they're apart, as if it were so natural for him to.

Joshua can't help the small smile that spreads across his lips, but he doesn't say anything. Instead staying where he is, cobalt eyes watching him, until Clive comes to stand beside him, his own light blue eyes on the new Mothercrystal that hangs dark in the sky.

"Indeed. Perhaps that is why Ultima created them to appear as they are, that we might be captivated by them, worship them as we should him." Though the longer Joshua considers it, he isn't sure Ultima holds a concept of beauty, or at least not in the same way they as humans do. Maybe the Mothercrystals were merely something he had in his own world before he'd come here and used their likeness as his conduit. But, that's neither here nor there.

He pushes himself up to stand up properly, his hands still resting on the wooden railing, and turns to look at his brother, his smile still soft, filled with a gentle hope. "But, the world that awaits us will be far more beautiful still."

From:

hellfury

[ The skies are dark and grey ever since Ultima cast his spell, but that doesn't mean the gloom stops them from working. If anything, the Cursebreakers have been working harder than ever before, likewise everyone in the Hideaway. Everyone plays a part, all help is worth something. Instead of the blight spreading across their lands, it's the akashic that know no sleep. They loiter and drift within the concentrated aether, sometimes in spots they shouldn't be, only ever stirring to action when others approach or at beck and call to their god.

Today, it isn't quite all work. They're on a pilgrimage of sorts... After a visit at their father's makeshift memorial, Clive proposed they visit what once was the Duchy to pay proper tribute to his memory—perhaps it's a trip for themselves, too. They can see what is left of their home and picture the future where the Twins, no, their whole star knows true freedom. Change is coming. They're carving their way there.

... It is a farewell in many facets, for better or worse. A farewell to what Valisthea once was and perhaps farewell to home, but Clive holds out to hope. They go to Origin, they return, and live the rest of their lives as they so wish without foreboding skies hanging over them.

Those thoughts are pushed behind while they're traveling. On chocobo, they pass by the fields that welcome them Eastpool. They are not much to write about, but there are crops sprouting and a number of people tending the land. The same can be said to the structures in the distance... They don't tower in the glory they once had, but they're cared for. They're trying, everyone is.

And with people trying, Clive peeks over his shoulder at Joshua, who must be trying his very best. ]

How are you faring, Joshua?

[ Just to check on his baby brother to make sure the traveling hasn't burdened him overmuch. Clive is already thinking about some safe rest spots if to say they plan to trek to Phoenix gate after, but already has the mind to stay the night at the settlement. ]

From:

shieldoffire

It had taken Joshua so long to respond that for a moment, Clive thought he'd gone unnoticed. "You were faraway in your thoughts," he said. "Where were you whiling away the time in your head?"

He nudges his shoulder against Joshua's, light and playful, even if their conversation is heavier than that. It seems their conversations are always that. They never simply have time to talk about what they missed in one another's lives. Not the hardships and harrowing moments, but the quieter ones in between. Clive has a million questions he wants to know about his brother being forced to grow up too young - what he lived through, if he had even a little bit of a chance to be idle and do the things most young men were able to do.

But he doesn't push. Sometimes, Clive is afraid the answers will hold too many similiarities to his own live in servitutde, just of a different sort.

"Maybe he did," Clive agrees. "Or maybe it's just the nature of them that they shine. I don't see him being particularly interested in decorating the world, whatever the reason."

Clive shifts to face Joshua when he moves, smile still on his face. "Maybe it will. Or maybe it will be a seething mass of shifting power and people scrambling to find their place in it. But at least it won't be a world we lost."

"Have you eaten?" Clive asks. "Or have you spent all day in the stacks again and forgotten?"

From:

[ Joshua's frown only deepens as Dion but shrugs at his own injuries, injuries that had nearly killed him. He knows Dion's right, that he's used to a life of fighting, having been on the frontlines of a war, leading the charge for many years against the Dhalmekians and Waloed as Bahamut, used to getting hurt like this, much as Clive is. But it does little to quell the worry and the guilt that pulls at him, most especially after what happened on the lake.

Though in all honesty, Joshua's no better. Ignoring or downplaying his own condition when is Ultima quite literally killing him from the inside as he tries to break free of his prison and at the same time making the Crystal's Curse spread even more across his chest with each passing day as the Phoenix must mend the damage done to Ultima's cage. But pushing himself through it, lying and telling everyone he's fine, that he's well enough to travel, to fight, because there is no option to stop.

So he also knows there's little point to bringing up the severity of his wounds any further when Tarja's already bandaged him up again and he's already promised to rest, because that's what truly matters, and that's enough. It's more than he does himself most of the time.

So, after a moment, he nods. ] Thank you, Dion.

[ Then he stands and walks over to the table in the back and places the vial of medicine Tarja had given him there, his slender fingers lingering on the lip of the glass bottle in thought. ]

And... thank you, for allowing me to join you when next you leave for Twinside.

From:

[Dion looks across the space between the two beds, which feels expansive. Too far to reach out and take Joshua's hand in his own as he wishes to.]

Please, do not thank me for that. It is I who shall be in your debt. I'll be grateful to have you by my side when I go.

[He reaches for the cup of water left by his bed and holds it out for Joshua to wash away the lingering bitterness of his medicine.]

Here, drink.

[If neither of them will take proper care of themselves, then all the more reason for them to take care of one another.]

From:

[ On Joshua's travels to discover the truth behind Ultima, he'd traveled across the entire breadth of Storm, there are few places he hadn't visited in his pursuit, even all the way up to the Northern Territories. Rosaria perhaps most especially, having been the beginning of... everything for him and Clive, his home. Coming back to even Phoenix Gate multiple times in search for answers of all that had happened that night.

But, for as much as he journeyed back to the Duchy... he never was able to really to enjoy it as though he were coming home to visit. There was ever too much at stake, too many questions that remained unanswered, unseen forces pulling the strings of everything around him and Joshua's mind swam with thoughts of it all. And what memories he held dear, often times hurt to think about back then, especially when he believed he'd killed his brother during his battle against Ifrit that night.

So now, as they're able to slow down, just for a moment, when Clive suggests they visit the Duchy one last time, in their father's memory and, though unspoken, knowing it's for themselves too, before they return to the Hideaway to prepare to leave for Origin, Joshua is all too happy to.

And as Clive tries to hold to the hope, to the belief that they'll make it back, that this isn't their final farewell... to Joshua, it is. Because he has long since accepted the fact that death is all that awaits him ever since he took Ultima unto himself five years ago, and especially now as they stand before the end and he see's what's to become of him. But he does this with a fondness in his heart, to travel again on familiar paths alongside his brother as they used to, this time to say goodbye to his home, to his father, knowing the future they strive now to save, Cid's future, their father's future, will all be worth it. Because it will be their own.

But he doesn't think about it as they approach Eastpool on their chocobos. Instead, he takes notice of the people working the fields, growing crops and taming the overgrowth, and ahead, men and woman repairing the buildings that had been left to ruin and at the hands of the bandits who had but recently been evicted. Then he looks to his brother ahead of him with a small smile. ]

I'm all right, Brother. You needn't worry. [ He is most certainly doing his very best. He won't say it out loud, but he's grateful Clive decided to call on their chocobos to travel around Rosaria instead of walking. As Ultima drains him of his strength, it makes traveling such distances more and more demanding, exhaustion and the pain from his chest easily taking him these days. But he doesn't let it show, or at least as best he can, as to not worry his brother.

So he's much better than he would've fared otherwise, even if he is still a touch tired. ]

Are we to continue through Eastpool? There is naught but the Dim between here and Phoenix Gate. Unless we are to make camp at the Sagespire... [ There's a quirked smile in his voice. He doesn't necessarily mean it, there might still be creatures in the Sagespire after all so it's not exactly. safe. But he most certainly won't object if Clive doesn't mind it-- ]

From:

[If Jill actually had to guess, she'd think it likely has to do with Clive being Mythos, but she has other explanations that she prefers to humour. Some because they warm her heart, and others because they seem to warm Clive's (or his cheeks) when she teases him about them.

Like, for example:]

I told him once that I thought it might have to do with the way his mind was always so open to stories. With the way his eyes lit up, I should like to believe that's the truth of the matter.

[Magic may not be a pretty thing in their world, but at least its blight hasn't stripped the world of fantasy. Even if that, too, sometimes feels darker than starless nights.]

Though I suppose you could always borrow Clive and ask Nektar yourself. Just mind that the children aren't within earshot. They're quite... insistent when it comes to hearing what he has to say.

From:

Joshua's smile only brightens as Clive bumps his shoulder against his. It reminds him of all the times Clive would do something similar when they were children, to reassure and to comfort his little brother in small, gentle, sometimes playful gestures like this. That even as light as they were, would feel as though they'd lift the weight of all of his worries and insecurities of his responsibilities as the Phoenix, as heir to the ducal throne all off his shoulders when he was only but ten years old. Just as it does now, lifting the weight of his thoughts from his mind to share in their burden. As Clive is always wont to do.

And not realizing he's doing it, he leans ever so slightly against his brother's shoulder to keep their contact, to keep that source of comfort, his voice quieting as he speaks, but still smiling, if not a bit distantly. "I was but thinking of Ultima, of Origin... there are still yet answers that plague me, that I cannot help but wonder."

But then they stand and Clive turns to him and Joshua can't help but let out a small, quiet chuckle, continuing off of his brother's words.

"And it will be a world of our choosing, a world that we might live on our own terms." And perhaps that is what will make it the most beautiful, even through all the hardships they'll have to face to get there.

He shakes his head a little. "No, I had but just arrived from speaking with Harpocrates. I... thought perhaps I might come visit you first, ere I made my way to the Ale Hall." He'd eaten earlier, if it's at least some consolation. But he doesn't mind putting off supper a little bit longer in lieu of spending time with Clive.

There's a small pause, then he continues with a grin, "Assuming, of course, that I am not interrupting anything."

There's little Joshua can do for the Hideaway now, as they have to ready themselves for whatever future lies ahead of them, but Clive is still an integral part, having led these people for five years. He has to tie off loose ends and make sure everyone is ready to lead this world into a future they're striving to save without him, even if only for a time, should he return after all is said and done.

From:

[ Joshua turns from the table to look back at Dion with a small smile, if perhaps not the slightest bit sad, and shakes his head a little. ]

You needn't speak of debts, Dion. [ He knows full well Dion thinks of himself in Joshua and Clive's debts after what happened at Twinside... and perhaps even moreso now after what happened today on the lake, especially after Dion pledged himself to their cause to Joshua when they spoke on their way back. And... Dion no doubt does it from a place of guilt, of owing them something after all he holds himself responsible for. But... Joshua would have him know otherwise, not wanting to build their friendship after eighteen years on this.

He crosses the room again over to Dion and reaches out to take the cup offered to him, his fingers barely, lightly brushing against Dion's as he does. It makes him fluster, his heart beating faster and his fingers twitch, hesitate over his for the briefest moments before he carefully, slowly settles his fingers on his fully this time, and gently takes the cup from his hold.

His smile warms now, the faintest dusting of a blush across his face as he continues. ] ...For there is naught to be repaid. I ask to go with you that I might aid a friend. And I would be grateful alone enough to be at your side when we arrive.

From:

shieldoffire

Clive just shifts, accommodating that change of weight when Joshua leans into him, feeling the warmth of Joshua against his side. Not for the first time, he notes the slightness of that weight. Clive would have to try to get him to eat more often.

"I suspect even when we win, there will be many questions we'll never find answers for. But maybe they're better off unknown." Clive believes in understanding the past, so they can avoid reliving it. But Ultima's power and intentions are foreign, and the opposite of what any man believes - Clive's not sure they can find common ground in it to understand it from.

"That it will, chaos and mistakes and all," Clives agrees. "I wonder what it says of us that we look forward to that. Gluttons for punishment, perhaps."

Clive smiles at his brother, reaching up to tousle his hair. It's too gentle to truly be that, merely a brush of fingers through light strands. "You're never an interruption. After how long apart we have been, I'd keep you always in my sight, if it were up to me and you wouldn't chafe at the oversight. Come, you can sit with me while I look through my messages and we can talk, unless you had something else in mind? For Clive, there is always and forever something he is meant to be doing - sometimes something of great import, sometimes an errand for a friend. His time may be precious, but he'd gladly give all that he could to Joshua.

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[ Joshua can't help the smile that immediately spreads across his lips and let's out a soft breath as he chuckles lightly into the hand he'd brought up to his lips. Then he lifts his head to look back at Jill ]

I would like to believe the same. Clive has always been quite enamored with his stories, and it would go some way as to explain why when it is believed that children are the only ones to understand them. [ A beat ] And... it would be a relief to know that some things have not changed. [ There's a pinch of sadness in his words, thinking of all the things Clive's had taken from him after Phoenix Gate, but more than that, it spreads a warmth through his chest at the thought that, despite everything, some things still remain, that not everything was taken from him.

And it reminds him of memories of when they were children, of when Joshua would sneak into his room before bed on nights he'd have trouble sleeping due to his illnesses or whenever he'd feel lonely, and how Clive would read him one of the many books he'd kept in his room, stories of brave heroes, of daring adventures. Even reenacting them for him as if they were a play, sometimes even Joshua and their Uncle Byron (whenever he'd come to visit) joining in, taking on their own roles.

There are certainly other theories and explanations as to why Clive can understand him, but Joshua also finds himself partial to this one. ]

Of course. [ There's a soft chuckle in his voice ] Perhaps I will ask Clive when we return from Tabor. And even if we are unable to discern exactly why Clive can understand him, there is still much I would like to yet ask.

[ He gives the moogle a brighter smile this time. There's no way Joshua would pass up the opportunity to get to talk to a moogle and learn more about them firsthand. ]

Edited (sorry small fix!!!!) Date: 2023-12-24 02:43 pm (UTC)

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